Beijing’s national houses uncovered
Published 20 August, 2008, 06:22
The Olympic Games are not only about sports, they’re also about business and relaxing for the guests. RT visited a number of special national houses open in the Olympic capital. All of them have different attractions, but there is one thing they all have in common: hopes for Olympic gold medals in their teams are high in each of them.
The London house is situated in the picturesque Houhai area of the Chinese capital. It certainly seems the place to be if you're a Brit in Beijing.
In this place it’s not only about supporting the team and watching the games. Given that London takes over as the Olympic capital after Beijing, many businessmen have come to the Chinese capital to discuss investment issues and exchange experience with the Chinese.
«25% of all invesment in Europe comes from China, so it definitely recognises London as a partner, just as Russia does,» says David Adam, London House head.
Just across the lake from the London house stands the Russian Bosco club. Unlike the Brittish headquarters, it opens its doors after sunset to become a flamboyant mix of things to see.
It is here that one can feel a winter atmosphere in summertime Beijing, hear the Chinese sing in perfect Russian and see Olympic gold champions hit the dancefloor in a traditional dance. All of that and more makes this a must for party-lovers.
“We want to make people want to come back here. We want to make people set dates here. But the main thing, of course, is to praise our medalists here,” says Mikhail Kusnirovich of the Russian Bosco club.
Unfortunately, the Russian house, just like most other Olympic clubs across Beijing – is more like a private club of compatriots and not everyone can get in.
But if there is one place in Beiing which is open to the public, it’s the Dutch Olympic house.
This building may well look like an ancient Chinese palace, but in reality it is one of the city's loudest discos.
The Dutch Olympic house is open to just about anyone, and you only have to download your invitation from a website to join in with this orange craze.
This huge party scene is primarily meant to praise the Dutch Olympic medalists and, of course, to get a taste of famous Dutch beer.
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